Akio Toyoda will step down as chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) after serving an unprecedented three terms as chairman, leading Japan's auto industry, one of the world's largest and most dynamic, through a turbulent decade of dramatic change. Akio Toyoda resigned as CEO of Toyota earlier this year.
After stepping down as JAMA chairman, Masanori Katayama, chairman of Isuzu Motors Corporation, will take over. Katayama will become the first head of a truck manufacturer to serve as chairman of JAMA since the organization was founded in 1967. The position of JAMA chairman usually rotates every two years between the heads of Japan's three major automakers (Toyota, Honda and Nissan).
Akio Toyoda, 67, was first appointed chairman of JAMA in 2012. In 2018, he was re-elected as JAMA President and will serve an unprecedented third consecutive term starting in May 2022. His current term will end on January 1, 2024, when Katayama will take over.
As the world's largest car company and leader of Japan's auto industry, Toyoda has gained an excellent platform to promote the interests of global automakers and suppliers.
On November 22, at a press conference announcing leadership changes in JAMA, Akio Toyoda said: "The automobile industry is a global industry, and all companies have become globalized. The role of the Japanese automobile industry in the world is changing every day, but the automobile industry will remain an indispensable industry for Japan."
As one of the longest-serving senior managers in the automotive industry, Toyoda has demonstrated a long-term vision and steady style in the rapidly changing automotive industry. Akio Toyoda sometimes expresses his views on new developments, such as autonomous driving technology or the industry's rapid investment in electric vehicles. Akio Toyoda always adheres to a balanced and multi-pronged approach to respond to new industry trends.
In Japan's home market, Toyoda has pledged to protect Japan's auto industry and its reputation as a world leader, even as critics say Japan has lost its edge, especially in electric vehicles and has fallen behind.
However, as chairman of JAMA, Toyoda has always insisted that his role is to represent the 5.5 million employees of 14 automakers in Japan. He believes that global car companies are working hard to achieve electrification to combat climate change. Therefore, it is a challenge to guide the auto industry to complete a "once-in-a-century change."
For those who criticize Japanese car companies for starting too slowly in pure electric vehicles, Toyoda said: "The general attitude of society has changed. Unfortunately, some people say that we are a full lap behind on the track. But what really drives me forward are the 5.5 million employees working on the front line. It takes time to change the status quo."
One of Toyoda's challenges is to revive the slumping Tokyo Motor Show amid waning global interest in auto shows. At this year's show, JAMA renamed the Tokyo Motor Show "Japan Mobility Show" (Japan Mobility Show) to attract more extensive participation in high-tech and emerging industries, and attracted 1.11 million people to visit.
JAMA’s current focus is on addressing the industry’s transition to carbon neutrality and achieving the Japanese government’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
As part of JAMA's recent reforms, the association has also elected vice-presidents for its bus and truck divisions, as well as its motorcycle divisions, to better coordinate carbon-neutral activities.